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Reflections on Life and Lavender

Chasing Dreams and Letting Go

1/16/2017

3 Comments

 
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Well here we are in the beautiful and snowy Willamette Valley south of Portland at the beginning of a new year, renting a house while we begin our search for Little Lavender Farm #2.  We made this move because Mark landed his dream job -- and because it would allow me to follow my dream as well.  Yes, I love my Little Lavender Farm in Escondido, but there was only so much I could do with it.  My dream is to have five or so acres, with a few acres of different varieties of lavender, as well as keep bees, plant a big organic garden, maybe host a few events, and eventually have some guest cottages.  And while I was certainly able to achieve some of this in Escondido, the land was like cement, the water was scarce, and I spent most of my time teaching high school.  So here we are where the land is fertile, there is plenty of water and I’ve got a little more time to chase these dreams.

But... it’s much more difficult than I thought it would be, this moving thing.  Granted, it’s only been 4 weeks, and we all got sick, and it’s been so cold that I don’t want to venture outside, and we failed miserably at doing Christmas, but even without all of that, it’s been rough. I miss waking up in the morning to the sunshine and the view and the birds and the breeze coming through an open window.  I miss walking outside to feed the chickens and cut some lavender or listen to the sound of our fountain.  I miss the place where I raised my children. And I miss the smiles and the hugs and being known.

And yesterday, after just one day on the market, someone walked into our home in Escondido and fell in love, just as I had 20 years earlier.  So yesterday our house sold. And today my heart is breaking. Sure, I had anticipated that there would be some struggle, but I don’t think I anticipated the ache in my gut and the ready tears. I didn't anticipate how difficult "letting go" would be. I know that I will adjust and that there will be a time when I wake up to sunshine and a view and birds and a breeze coming in through an open window. I know that day is coming.  But today I long for those familiar places and those cherished people and today I am feeling sad.

Tomorrow I will get back to dreaming. Maybe I will do a little “farm shopping.”  I’ll take the dogs for walk and enjoy the beautiful park down the street, and maybe have coffee with a new friend. And tomorrow, when Mark comes home from work with such a big smile on his face, I will feel good about this decision. I know that in order to chase our dreams, I have to be able to let go of the past... just a little...at least enough to grab onto the present.

​So tomorrow I will get back to dreaming. Today I will work on letting go. 
​
3 Comments
Mom
1/16/2017 02:06:15 pm

Why is it, Pam, that you're writing always brings tears to my eyes: sometimes happy tears, sometimes sad tears, and understanding tears, but mostly mom tears because I'm so proud of your writing ability. You definitely are not a one dimensional person, you use all your emotions in your writing. Today you write with a sad but hopeful heart and it is so moving. Knowing your strength, today you will do a good job of the "letting go" part. Tomorrow, bring on those dreams again!! After a while, the letting go part will be less of a chore. And the dreams will take center stage.

In the meantime, it won't be long before I'm there to distract you, and fill your days with my constant chatter! :-) oh what fun we'll have!!!

In the meantime know that I love you my sweet girl.

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1/26/2018 08:07:47 pm

Dreams are what we have. I have a dream of having a complete family. I have a dream of seeing my family happy. I am that kind of people who want to see the things in a good way. I want to realize how good life is. I want to be the person whom I wanted to see not, others want me to be. I want to be who I am because I am me. Because of your inspiring post, I got a lot of realizations in life. Thank you.

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Ozgul link
5/28/2020 08:00:00 am

Hello Pam,
I should accept that I have been chasing my dream too. It was quite a courageous decision to leave behind the whole settled life and a big family and move to CA with two children. I need to raise my children until they are independent. I still need to work years at schools, I know that. I know that it is early to dream a life like yours at the moment.

I was lucky enough to grew up close to nature and learn to live within its limits, its generosity, its inspirational goodness. Lavender is only one of them smooths me and my lonely soul here. I have just a few of them at home - I may plant more in the future. They are at their peak, blooming now!

Your life looks such an inspirational but far dream for me, still feels good to dream that far. Oregon reminds me Ursula Le Guin. I dare not to dream to be a writer as good as her. First, I need to learn how to express my feelings in writing. But, growing little lavenders and writing some little books for children would be the best dream I have ever had. - May be one day :) Thank you for sharing your inspirational life! Best, Ozgul

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    *Birth Days And Determination
    *Chasing Dreams And Letting Go
    *Christmas Letter 2017
    *Indelible Mark Of Kindness
    *One Good Deed
    *On Sisterhood
    *Opening A Lavender Shop
    *Rain
    *Reflections On Difference
    *Reflections On Family
    *Reflections On Home
    *Saying Yes
    *The Light We Lost
    *The Little Things
    *The Optimist
    *The Table
    *The Village It Took
    *Uncle Jimmy
    *Winnie And Bit

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    Hello! My name is Pam Reynolds Baker and I am a mom/wife /writer and lavender farmer located in Dundee, Oregon.  

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108 S College Ste C
Newberg, OR 97132
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  • Home
  • Lavender 101
    • Our Lavender
    • A Brief History of Lavender
    • The Many Uses of Lavender Essential Oil
    • Choosing the Best Essential Oil for You
    • What is Hydrosol anyway?
    • Lavender and Anxiety
    • Lavender and Weddings
    • A Lavender Home
    • Lavender and Soil Amendment
    • Growing Lavender in Containers
    • When to harvest lavender
    • Cleaning Lavender Buds
    • Pruning
  • Shop
  • Recipes
    • Culinary Lavender
    • Basics
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Writing
    • Around the farm
    • Reflections on Life and Lavender
    • A Lavender Life
  • Lavender Crafts
  • Gallery
  • About Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy